Latest news with #ex-Matildas
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Football Australia CEO James Johnson resigns as major tournaments loom
Football Australia is facing a period of uncertainty as both the Matildas and Socceroos prepare for major international tournaments next year, after James Johnson resigned as the organistaion's CEO. Johnson informed the FA board of his decision at a meeting on Thursday, bringing to an end a tenure in charge of the game that spanned five and a half years. 'As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down,' he said. His departure leaves FA looking for a new figurehead with less than a year to go before Australia hosts the Women's Asian Cup in March 2026. The men's World Cup also takes place next year. Related: Socceroos dealt major blow with injured Jackson Irvine out of World Cup qualifiers Former Matildas player and current FA board director Heather Garriock will assume the role of interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement for Johnson is conducted. Johnson joined FA in 2020 after previously working for the AFC and the City Football Group. FA said that during his tenure, Johnson had overseen 'one of the most successful periods in Australia football history'. Among the most significant moves were the recruitment of ex-Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson and the decision to retain former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold after the 2022 World Cup. He guided the game through the Covid pandemic and was involved in securing hosting rights for the 2023 Women's World Cup, as well as next year's Women's Asian Cup. Johnson has also pushed through a long-awaited second division competition – the Australian Championship – which is set to begin later this year. He said it had been a 'privilege' to lead Football Australia 'I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.' Johnson will, at the board's request, support FA as it finalises key projects and work with Garriock to ensure a smooth transition.
7NEWS
08-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
James Johnson makes shock decision to quit role as Football Australia CEO
Football Australia is on the hunt for a new chief executive after James Johnson resigned. Johnson informed staff of his intention to step down from the role at a meeting on Thursday. It leaves the governing body in search of a new figurehead less than a year out from the Women's Asian Cup. Johnson joined FA in 2020 after previously working for the AFC and the City Football Group. Among the most significant moves of his tenure were the recruitment of ex-Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson and the decision to retain former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold after the 2022 World Cup. Johnson has also pushed through a long-awaited second division competition - the Australian Championship - which is set to begin later this year and led Football Australia's successful bid and hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. Johnson said it had been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past five-and-a-half years, and thanked the 'committed' staff, executives and board members. 'As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down,' Johnson said. 'I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.' Football Australia director and former Matilda Heather Garriock has been named as the interim chief executive. Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac thanked Johnson for his unwavering leadership and dedication during his tenure. 'James has guided Football Australia through extraordinary challenges and leaves a great legacy. We wish him every success for the future,' Isaac said. Isaac said Johnson had agreed to the board's request following his resignation to support the organisation to finalise key projects and will work with the board and interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition. Johnson then plans to take a short break ahead of pursuing his next professional opportunity.
West Australian
08-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Johnson to stand down as FA chief executive
Football Australia is on the hunt for a new chief executive after James Johnson resigned. Johnson informed staff of his intention to step down from the role at a meeting on Thursday. It leaves the governing body in search of a new figurehead less than a year out from the Women's Asian Cup. Johnson joined FA in 2020 after previously working for the AFC and the City Football Group. Among the most significant moves of his tenure were the recruitment of ex-Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson and the decision to retain former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold after the 2022 World Cup. Johnson has also pushed through a long-awaited second division competition - the Australian Championship - which is set to begin later this year. FA has been contacted for comment.
Perth Now
08-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Johnson to stand down as FA chief executive
Football Australia boss James Johnson has told staff he is quitting. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP Football Australia is on the hunt for a new chief executive after James Johnson resigned. Johnson informed staff of his intention to step down from the role at a meeting on Thursday. It leaves the governing body in search of a new figurehead less than a year out from the Women's Asian Cup. Johnson joined FA in 2020 after previously working for the AFC and the City Football Group. Among the most significant moves of his tenure were the recruitment of ex-Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson and the decision to retain former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold after the 2022 World Cup. Johnson has also pushed through a long-awaited second division competition - the Australian Championship - which is set to begin later this year. FA has been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Micah makes case for No.1 spot as Matildas fall to USA
Teagan Micah is placing fresh pressure on Mackenzie Arnold's status as Australia's first-choice goalkeeper after an encouraging display in a credible 2-1 loss to the USA. Micah pulled off several impressive saves in Monday's (AEDT) SheBelieves Cup clash at State Farm Stadium in Arizona that will prompt fresh discussion over Arnold's stranglehold on the No.1 jersey. The 27-year-old Micah was not at fault for either of America's goals - the first of which came after just 43 seconds - and her reflexes kept Australia in the game right until the final whistle. Teagan Micah TAKE A BOW 🤯Micah with a outrageous save to keep @TheMatildas in the game💪🏻#USAvAUS LIVE on Paramount+🍿 — Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) February 23, 2025 Lynn Biyendolo put the USA ahead inside the first minute, before a dogged Australian side made the home team fight for their second goal through Michelle Cooper soon after the hour mark. Michelle Heyman headed home a delightful Hayley Raso cross in the 80th minute to give Australia hope of salvaging a draw. And while the Matildas could not find an equaliser, some of Micah's late glove work prevented the USA from putting the game beyond doubt. Remarkably the outing against the USA was just Micah's 18th senior cap, with ex-Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson having opted for Arnold as his No.1. But with Micah playing regularly with Liverpool in the Women's Super League, caretaker Australia coach Tom Sermanni says the shot-stopper is making a compelling case to become the Matildas' first-choice keeper. "It's been close (between Arnold and Micah) for some time (and) there's been times when Teagan has actually been the number one," Sermanni said. "The situation at the moment is Teagan has been playing week in and week out in the WSL and performing really well. "Mackenzie hasn't played and is barely back in pre-season training (with American club side Portland). "Particularly for a goalkeeper - it's not like an outfield player where you can run around - they need to get matches under the belt before they come in at this level." Sermanni said it was premature to indicate which way he would go for Australia's final game of the tournament on Thursday (AEDT) against Colombia. The coach was encouraged by the Matildas' response after he labelled their performance "un-Australian" in their opening match of the tournament, a 4-0 loss to Japan. "Our effort and attitude were so much better in this game, especially after the start we had," Sermanni said. "Given the performance of the last game and the result and then losing the goal after probably less than a minute, I think we could easily have just sort of caved in today. "So from a perspective of the team digging in and sticking in there, I was really pleased with that part of our performance." That start Sermanni referenced came in the shape of a goal for Biyendolo inside the first minute. The Americans split the Australian defence apart with ease and Jaedyn Shaw's delivery from the left of the penalty box was easily finished by Biyendolo. Raso ➡️ Heyman ➡️ 🥅A picture perfect cross from Hayley Raso sets up Michelle Heyman and @TheMatildas pull one back in Phoenix Watch #USAvAUS LIVE on Paramount+📺 — Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) February 23, 2025 She had a second chalked off for offside five minutes later, and Micah was forced to parry away one of the American's long-range efforts. Rocked early, the Matildas began to grow into the game as the first half wore on, then continued that rhythm after the break when they were more than a match for the world No.1. They were, however, unable to finish their chances, and the USA had no such issues when Steph Catley and Charli Grant failed to contain Allyson Sentnor, who teed up Cooper for America's second in the 68th minute. Heyman gave Australia hope of snatching a draw with her late strike, but all the action was at the other end, Micah doing incredibly well to deny Sentnor and keep the final score close.
